A second application by Clean Power Properties Ltd for a larger scheme was rejected last week.

The decision was welcomed by Halfway Community Council secretary Liisa Hepworth.

She said: “It is with much relief to report that the planning committee unanimously rejected the planning application following planning officers recommendation to refuse.

“With more than 7000 objections, including from elected officials and many more signatures on a petition, they should now hear the strong and many voices of the community and South Lanarkshire Council and take their plans elsewhere.

“There is no doubt Clean Power Properties will appeal it so it is not over yet.

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“We are trying to raise awareness too because people might not know a lot about this because it is in the Blantyre area. But we are only three miles away from the planned incinerator.”

Demonstrators, including Blantyre community council, were campaigning against the ‘toxic triangle’ of waste incinerators in the town, Polmadie, which already has planning permission and Coatbridge, which was refused by North Lanarkshire Council two months ago.

As Liisa pointed out, Halfway community council expect Clean Power Properties to appeal the local authority’s decision. However, Councillor Margaret Ferrier said they have no intention of giving up and will be ready for any subsequent challenges.

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Councillor Ferrier added: “I am delighted that we got past the first hurdle.

“ When people feel strongly about an issue such as this a campaign can gather momentum and planning decisions can be influenced.

“I am very proud of all of the communities and community councils for collectively standing up and fighting against this proposed waste incinerator. We know that Clean Power Ltd will no doubt appeal this decision.